Tag: #PureMichigan

Ever changing…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset was interesting. I thought it would break and the colors would flood the sky. Instead, there were moments of brief color while a slowly passing rain left the area. Still, it was pretty and stunning. I watched the shifts and was interested in all the changes.

The world is constantly changing. People are constantly changing. You are continually changing. Hmm, I guess it is safe to say everything is continuously changing. Why is it then we don’t always notice the changes?

Subtle changes are going on constantly, and because of the element of time, we sometimes do not see these changes until we remind ourselves of a past state. I can still see myself as a 1 1/2 year old riding my tricycle if I close my eyes for a moment, yet here I am, a monumentally massive monstrosity that is dozens of times larger and more wizened, worn, and whimsical than that me.

At the same time, we can see other people as the same as when we met them, only to realize they have changed immensely for either the good or bad. It is easy to lose our perspectives when subtle changes are happening all the time. I am reminded of two old songs, and there are hundreds more.

From Dan Fogelberg:
I said the years had been a friend to her
And that her eyes were still as blue
But in those eyes, I wasn’t sure if I
Saw doubt or gratitude

From Garth Brooks:
She wasn’t quite the angel
That I remembered in my dreams
And I could tell that time had changed me
In her eyes too it seemed

Just food for thought in this ever-changing world. Just something to think about as you interact with all those people around you. Watch for the changes, and be happy with them. We all are changing, but it is up to us to see the best in ourselves and if we can, the best in others.

So as the sun sets on another day, see the best you and the best you can see but be aware that changes are going on continually, and if you notice changes that don’t work, say something, do something, and find your way to peace every day, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and cha cha change…

A shy smile…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset was initially so bright it was hard to look towards the west. As the far west clouds rose to the occasion the sky was filled with colors, and the twilight gleamed like fireworks.

I have been curious about Toastmasters for a long time. I was a speaker on technology and quality for a long time and am always concerned that I am not getting enough experience speaking anymore. I always loved teaching large groups and the excitement in people’s eyes when you show them something new or share your excitement.

Today I met three people. There were three very different people. The president of our Toastmasters group was there and was joined by three newbies, one being me. We each had our reasons for being there. One of us was there to be a part of toastmasters, and I expected them to be entirely driven in their quest. One of us was there to get back into the swing of things after a long time lost in COVID quarantine. As I said, I was there to enjoy talking with other people and staying frosty in case I ever start speaking again.

The approach was straightforward. For this group, we did table talk where a question or item was given, and the task was to speak about it off the cuff for one to two minutes without being the “uh-ah-um” monster. It was a fun interaction that made it even more fun for the people. One of us dropped off before that started, and the three of us remaining laughed, smiled, made jokes, and generally enjoyed the time.

As we started winding down, I thought about my teammate who had been isolated for a long time and experienced the damage done to so many. They noted themselves as an introvert, and as we all interacted, they became more and more engaged in the moment. They were perfect, and perhaps this is and was a step towards healing, trusting, and re-engaging with people or at least engaging to the level they are comfortable with. I have high hopes because I think they did very well.

So as the sun sets on another day, we all have to step back after the last several years. Some of us have hidden away like hermit crabs in our small shells. We have sealed ourselves away from the world. With the significant amount of data coming out and the information being created, the world will change significantly over the next several years. Be patient with people and help them find their way in their time if you can. If you are alone, find your way back into the light with the people who care about you. We are not meant to be solitary creatures. It can work, but it’s not a lot of fun. Find your way and find happiness as much as possible, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and happy trails…

Promise…

The sun sets on another day…

SunsetWas cloudy and interesting. The skies have been angry, but the day was partially clear and allowed for the featured picture.

I sat thinking as I watched the sailboats in the wind. Somewhere in the midst of the day there is a promise. A promise for the day itself and a series of promises that are inherent in that day. The wind whipped up and boats slipped past and I smiled for a moment.

For the day itself the promise is always that the day is there and that if we try we can get through another day with positive and amazing outcomes just by showing up. Showing up is a big thing though huh?

Make a promise to yourself today if you can. Promise yourself that you will show up. Show up to read more, show up to write, show up to work, show up to learn to sail, show up to do anything necessary to make you better. You have the power to make your world a better world just by showing up.

So as the sun sets on another day, I show up, I write, and I push each day to make every day amazing for myself and anyone I run into. I hope your day was complete and amazing, Make tomorrow a good one as well, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and live…

Time slips…

The sun sets on another day…

Sunset was full of clouds, and as I walked to the corner I watched the sky blend to darkness from dark. It makes it interesting to watch when the light is already gone and it is taken away some more.

Time is pretty cool, or is it? I am finding that often time gets away from me unless it is very carefully checked and more carefully monitored. Consider now I have several phone calls I need to make and have not, as each time I am free, it is far too late. Much of this is on me, but I will slap time for a moment and simply say, “Stop slipping away!”

Seriously for a moment consider all the time we have in a day, and how we spend it. What is most important? Are we focusing on that or on something less than important? Aren’t people the most important thing in our lives? Should they be?

That’s a lot of questions, and I wish I could say, “This is the definitive answer!” Instead, I can only tell you that time will keep passing as we decide our answers, and in the process, we will hopefully make the best decisions we can. For me, I will try to reach out more effectively and push not to be that person who can’t find the time when time is there right now, as it was all along.

So as the sun sets on another day, consider well the implications of time on your life. Reach out and be a part of the lives of others, and find a way to manage time in a way that benefits you, no matter what.

Sleep sweet, love life, and tick tick tick…